Alnor Balometer 6461 User manual

Air Volume Instruments
Balometer®Air Balancing Instrument
Owner’s Manual

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Copyright©
TSI Incorporated / 1999–2014 / All rights reserved.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY (effective
June 2011)
(For country-specific terms and conditions outside of the USA,
please visit www.tsi.com.)
Seller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use
and service as described in the operator's manual, shall be
free from defects in workmanship and material for 12 months,
or if less, the length of time specified in the operator's manual,
from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty
period is inclusive of any statutory warranty. This limited
warranty is subject to the following exclusions and exceptions:
a. Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research
anemometers, and certain other components when
indicated in specifications, are warranted for 90 days from
the date of shipment;
b. Pumps are warranted for hours of operation as set forth in
product or operator’s manuals;
c. Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are
warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and
material, under normal use, for 90 days from the date of
shipment;
d. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods
manufactured by others or on any fuses, batteries or other
consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's
warranty applies;
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have no liability in connection with, goods which are
incorporated into other products or equipment, or which are
modified by any person other than Seller.
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subject to the LIMITATIONS stated herein. NO OTHER
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OF THE PURCHASE PRICE DISCOUNTED FOR
REASONABLE WEAR AND TEAR OR AT SELLER’S
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SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES.
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INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR REINSTALLATION
COSTS OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, may
be brought against Seller more than 12 months after a cause
of action has accrued. The goods returned under warranty to
Seller's factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be
returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.
Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY, which
contains the complete and exclusive limited warranty of Seller.
This LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not
be amended, modified or its terms waived, except by writing
signed by an Officer of Seller.
Service Policy
Knowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as
detrimental to TSI as they are to our customers, our service
policy is designed to give prompt attention to any problems.
If any malfunction is discovered, please contact your
nearest sales office or representative, or call Customer
Service at [phone] (USA) and (1) 651-490-2811
(International).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Description....................................................................... 2
Safety Notice................................................................................. 2
Preparation for Use ....................................................................... 3
Step by Step Operation................................................................. 5
Repacking ..................................................................................... 6
Maintenance.................................................................................. 7
Performance Check....................................................................... 8
Troubleshooting Guide................................................................ 10
Theory of Operation .................................................................... 11
Service Information ..................................................................... 12
Alnor, TSI, Velometer, and Balometer are registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated.

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Alnor®Balometer®Air Balancing Instrument
is designed to assist you in rapid and accurate
measurements of air distribution in heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning systems. The
Balometer®instrument directly reads average air
flow rate, either intake or outflow, at ceiling, wall
or floor diffusers.
In use, air to be measured is directed past a
manifold which senses flow at multiple points
spread across a carefully sized area. The manifold
is designed so that the air volume is sensed at
either supply or return diffusers with equal
accuracy.
The manifold is connected through the range
selector to an Velometer®anemometer which can
be provided with scales for English measurement
units of cubic feet per minute (CFM) or either of
two metric scales, cubic meters per hour (cmh) or
liters per second (l/s), and is capable of reading
flows up to 2000 CFM (3400 cmh, 950 l/s). This
time-proven Velometer®anemometer is the heart
of the Balometer®measuring system.
A single knob direction and range selecting unit
allows control of the Balometer®instrument for
either supply or return diffusers, on ranges of
100 to 500, 400 to 1000, and 800 to 2000 CFM.
(170 to 850, 700 to 1700, and 1400 to 3400 cmh;
50 to 240, 200 to 475, and 400 to 950 l/s).
A Low flow adapter is also included with each
Balometer®instrument for accuracy in balancing
modern air systems which incorporate low volume
diffusers. When used with the most sensitive range
selector setting it provides an additional
measurement range up to 250 CFM (400 cmh,
120 l/s).
For increased flexibility the unit can be supplied
with up to five sizes of nylon hoods which fit
interchangeably on the instrument base. The 2 x 2
size is standard and is attached to its own
permanent frame. Other hoods (2 x 2, 1 x 4, 1 x 5,
3x 3) are used with frame pieces which must be
assembled by the user.
*Throughout this manual the units CFM, cmh, and
l/s are used for simplicity. Note however that the
Balometer®instrument actually reads in standard
cubic feet per minute (SCFM), standard cubic
meters per hour (scmh), or standard liters per
second (std. l/s). See the Specifications section for
more information.
SAFETY NOTICE
When using the Balometer®instrument to check
air flow at ceiling diffusers, make certain that you
can safely raise and hold the unit while making
measurements, especially when working on a
ladder.
Observe all necessary precautions so that the unit
does not become caught in moving machinery.
The Balometer®instrument is not designed for gas
mixtures other than air. Any use with corrosive or
other dangerous or explosive gas mixtures is not
recommended, and is at the user’s risk.
Due to its size and shape, care should be taken
when carrying the assembled instrument from
place to place so that it does not accidentally bump
into people or objects.

3
PREPARATION FOR USE
Unpacking
BEFORE REMOVING ANY PARTS FROM
THE CARRYING CASE THE ARRANGEMENT
OF THE VARIOUS ITEMS SHOULD BE
NOTED, SO THAT REPACKING CAN BE
DONE EASILY.
The support frame for the 2 x 2 hood must be
removed from the case before the instrument base
can be lifted out. Depending on prior usage, the
hood may already be attached to the frame and/or
the instrument base. If the entire unit is to be lifted
out as an assembly, caution must be exercised to
assure that the pieces do not separate, since
dropping the instrument may damage the
Velometer®anemometer.
At the rear of the carrying case is a built-in
accessory case with a hinged lid. Packed inside are
four support dowels, anti-static solution,
detachable handle, and any unmounted hoods. If
the 2 x 4 or 3 x 3 hood size is part of your set, a
package of four 81/2inch dowels will also be found
in the case.
If your instrument is ordered with more than one
hood, the frame channels needed to support other
sizes will be found in the back compartment of the
carrying case.
Assembly
Frame Channels
The 2 x 2 size frame is permanently assembled
and ready to use. If your unit includes only this
size, go on to the paragraph on Hood Installation.
Refer to Figures 1 through 4 to determine the
frame channels needed to build any of the
standard-sized frames. Select the pieces required
for the frame size desired and assemble with the
aid of the appropriate figure. Several sections
(numbers 1, 3 and 4)* consist of a straight channel
portion (each a different length) and a corner
piece. This corner piece has an eyelet and slot
arrangement which mates with a similar eyelet and
slot at the end of the straight portion of the
channel pieces (see Figure 5). These pieces can be
slid together, and are self-locking by means of a
retention spring.
The number 1 and 5 channels also have a wing nut
at the straight end which will mate with an angle
and studs on the ends of numbers 2, 5 and 6 to
form the longer frame sides (see Figure 6).
* Each channel is numbered for easy
identification.
Figure 1—1' x 4' Frame (305 x 1220 mm)
Figure 2—2' x 4' Frame (610 x 1220 mm)

4
Figure 3—1' x 5' Frame (305 mm x 1525 mm)
Figure 4—3' x 3' Frame (915 mm x 915 mm)
Hood Installation
The hoods are sewn in a trapezoidal shape so that
one open end forms a 14 inch square for
attachment to the base, and the other forms a
square or rectangle to fit its matching frame
assembly. Around each end of the hood an elastic
cord has been sewn into the hood. The cord is
pushed into the open side of the U-shaped
channels of the frame and around the top of the
base.
Attach the hood to the frame assembly first, and
then to the base unit. By stretching around two
corners the cord is slightly reduced in diameter
and is easier to press into the channel.
Note: Always locate the hood seams at the
corners of the frame and base.
After the first side is pressed into place each
remaining side can be done in a similar fashion.
The hood can now be attached to the base in the
same way. Do not attempt to set up the hood with
the hood support and dowels until the hood has
been completely attached to both the frame and the
base.
Hood Support Assembly
The hood support must be in the correct position
for hood set-up. This is accomplished by swinging
the long rods around so they project in a direction
opposite to the short rods which hold the springs.
In the corners of the base are a series of holes. The
ends of the long rods should be inserted in the
bottom hole of each corner. If it is later found that
the hood is not held as tautly as required the rods
can be moved upward to compensate.
Figure 5—Frame corner
assembly
Figure 6—Frame side
assembly
The support dowels are now slid over the ends of
the short rods. The aluminum tips on the dowels
should be facing the top. If the 2 x 4 or 3 x 3 hood
is to be used, a set of 8-inch long dowel extensions
must be added to either end of the long dowels.
The hood can now be raised and the ends of the
dowels inserted in either the corner of the hood
frame, or into one of the ferrules (cups) attached to
the frame channels, depending on the hood and
frame size. Rods go into corners on the 2 x 2, 2
x 4, and 3 x 3 frames, into the set of inner
ferrules for the 1 x 5 frame, and in the outer
ferrules for the 1 x 4 frame. Proper tautness has
been achieved if the springs on the short rods of
the hood support assembly are slightly (but not
fully) compressed.
Detachable Handle
For maximum flexibility in using or carrying the
Balometer®instrument, install the detachable
handle. Simply screw it “hand tight” into its
mating thread on the support plate above the range
selector knob.

5
Note: Make a habit of checking the tightness of
this handle each time before use, to be
sure it doesn’t loosen while the instrument
is being used to take readings, or while it
is being carried from place to place.
Figure 7—Holding Balometer for measurement
See Figure 7 for ways that the permanent and
detachable handles help in making measurements.
Low Flow Adapter
The low flow adapter (screen) can be used for
measuring air volumes below 250 CFM, (400
cmh, 120 l/s), but it is strongly recommended
that it be used only when measuring very low
flows, below 100 CFM (170 cmh, 50 l/s).
The low flow adapter is inserted by carefully
pushing it into position against the manifold on the
side which the air will enter. If air will move
through the hood TO the base of the instrument
the adapter goes on the “hood” side of the
manifold. The adapter should be in as close
contact with the manifold as possible, and
nowhere more than 1/8 inch away. Take care not
to distort the manifold mounting in the process of
installing or removing the adapter.
Do not forget to remove the adapter when
measuring flow greater than 250 CFM
(400 cmh, 120 l/s).
STEP BY STEP OPERATION
If the instrument has been stored at a temperature
below 68°F (20°C) or above 86°F (30°C) it should
be allowed to stabilize at room conditions
(between 68°F and 86°F) in order to achieve
specified accuracy.
1. Assemble the Balometer®instrument as
described in the Preparation for Use section of
this manual.
If the Balometer®instrument will be carried
between locations during use, the detachable
handle should be used. Until the Balometer®
instrument is repacked in its carrying case the
handle can remain mounted.
2. Check the Velometer®anemometer for zero
adjustment by placing the instrument away
from any air flow, setting the range selector to
the OFF position, and verifying that the meter
reads zero. If necessary, use a screwdriver to
adjust the zero screw so that the pointer reads
zero. Although the meter will typically read
zero (within one division) regardless of how
the unit is held, it is best to zero the meter in
the position in which it will be used.
3. Set the range selector to the highest reading in
the desired direction, supply or return. This
technique is to ensure that the meter will not
be damaged by an over range condition.

6
4. Bring the Balometer®instrument into contact
with the perimeter of the diffuser or grill to be
measured. To assure maximum accuracy, the
foam gasket along the top of the frame must
be firmly in contact with the surface all around
the opening. Take care to ensure that your
body or other material is not accidentally
affecting the reading by blocking or diverting
the air flow at the base opening.
5. If the reading is found to be below the full
scale of the next lower scale, the range
selector may be switched to the next lower
scale.
6. The Balometer®instrument is calibrated to
standard conditions.
To determine the true volume flow rate,
multiply by the correction factor determined
from Figure 9. The correction factor is based
on the static pressure and air temperature at
the manifold.
7. The additional system resistance generated by
the Balometer®instrument may affect the
output of an individual diffuser. Depending on
system design and balancing method, this may
or may not be important. When proportionally
balancing a system of similar outlets, this is
not usually an important factor. If system
design or other factors require adjustment,
Figure 8 is included for your reference.
Low Flow Adapter Application
(Recommended measurement range
0 to 100 CFM, 0 to 170 cmh, 0 to 50 l/s)
The low flow screen must be placed on the side of
the manifold against which the air pressure will be
felt. If measuring supply flow, the adapter is
placed down against the averaging manifold from
the top of the Balometer®base. If measuring return
flow, the adapter is placed up against the
averaging manifold from the bottom of the
Balometer®base. Ensure that the air flow is in the
proper range for using the low flow screen before
installing it. The Balometer®instrument and
adapter are calibrated at the factory for use on the
lowest range only.
REPACKING
With the exception of the 2 x 2 hood and frame,
hoods must be removed from their support frames,
re-rolled and packed in the accessory case. Corner
sections can be pulled apart when the retaining
spring is pushed out of the latching hole. Put wing
nuts back on their threads before storing, to avoid
losing them.
All the frame pieces fit in the plastic insert at the
case bottom. Use the positioning chart shown on
the label attached to the inside of the carrying case
to find the correct location for each piece. The
formed insert is divided into two sections for
convenient storage of parts when less than the
maximum number of hoods are supplied with the
instrument. Once all the parts are positioned they
are held in place with the elastic straps.
Next dismount the dowels and pack them in the
accessory case with the hoods.
The hood support is removed by slightly springing
the ends of the long wires out of their mounting
holes. After the low flow adapter is pressed
(gently) into its storage position on top of the
manifold, the hood support can be stowed. It will
fit inside the base, by swinging the long rods to the
same side as the short ones. All four long rod ends
can then be inserted into holes in two adjacent
corner tubes and the entire mechanism is then
inside the base unit. Be careful not to damage the
manifold when pressing the screen in place, or by
allowing the short rods of the hood support to
protrude through the screen.

7
Remove the detachable handle and store it in the
accessory case. The carrying case cannot be closed
with this handle attached to the base.
The base assembly can now be placed in the
carrying case, with the range selector and
Velometer®anemometer facing to the side (either
side) of the case. The case will not close if
the Velometer®anemometer faces forward or to
the rear.
The 2 x 2 frame (with hood attached, if convenient
for further use) is the last item to be packed. The
frame will be tilted, with the back of the frame
resting on the top of the accessory case.
MAINTENANCE
Nylon Hoods
The hoods can be hand washed in cool water with
a mild detergent if needed. When handling do not
let the cloth come in contact with sharp corners or
other objects which may tear the material.
Static Electricity
It is common to encounter static electrical charges,
especially in conditions of low humidity. Included
with the Balometer®instrument when shipped
from the factory is a container of anti-static
solution which should be used if the Velometer®
anemometer will not hold a zero setting, or gives
erratic readings. Using a soft lint-free cloth
slightly moistened with anti-static solution, rub
gently over the front of the Velometer®case and
window.
Velometer Zero Adjustment
Check to see that the pointer of the Velometer®
anemometer is at zero each time the meter is put
into service. The zero adjustment screw enables
you to make an adjustment. With the range
selector set to OFF, use a screwdriver to bring the
pointer to zero. It should read zero (within one
division) regardless of how the Balometer®
instrument is held.
Manifold
The manifold should be checked before using to
be certain that the sensing holes have not become
clogged with dirt or dust particles. Inspect for
leaks which may be caused by cracks, or by poor
connection to the range selector through the short
pieces of tubing. The manifold can be cleaned
using mild detergent and warm water, without
immersing the manifold in water. It is
recommended that cleaning be done with the
manifold in place, and with extreme care.
When the instrument is stored or otherwise not
being used to take readings, be certain to protect
the meter movement by switching the range
selector to the OFF position.
The air flow sensing manifold can be damaged if
subjected to excessive stress. It is not repairable.
Any air flow other than through the calibrated
sensing holes (even hairline cracks) will affect
instrument accuracy. Special manifold mounting
springs are designed to cushion the assembly and
allow for some deformation of the base without
affecting accuracy. These springs should not be
removed or altered in any way.
Calibration
Your Balometer®instrument may be returned to
the factory for calibration.
When shipping the Balometer®instrument for
factory calibration, pack it carefully, and follow
the Instructions for Return in this manual.

8
PERFORMANCE CHECK
When checking the performance of the
Balometer®instrument, first verify that the unit
has been properly adjusted to zero. If the
calibration is to be checked, a reference flow
standard at least 4 times more accurate than the
Balometer®instrument should be used. Flow
standards that may be used for this purpose
include orifice or venturi flow meters or laminar
flow elements. These devices require accurate
pressure and temperature reading instruments to
measure actual flow volume.
If the Balometer®instrument is checked against a
velocity standard such as a Pitot-static probe or
thermal anemometer, the user should be aware that
this may introduce errors. If a velocity standard is
used, the average velocity must be obtained by
taking a traverse.* The accuracy of this average
reading is dependent on the flow uniformity, the
number of readings in the average and the
accuracy of the velocity reading instrument. This
average velocity reading must then be multiplied
by the area over which the traverse was taken. If
this area is not accurately measured, additional
errors in the final flow volume reading will result.
Finally, air flow instrumentation is often
dependent on environmental conditions such as
temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and
even turbulence. These conditions can have very
different effects on various instrument types.
Caution must be exercised when making
comparisons.
* A traverse is a set of velocity readings taken in a
prescribed geometric pattern which will provide
an overall velocity when averaged together.
Figure 8—Backpressure Curve